09/27/2026
🍁 Plant of the Week: Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum)
Right now, Utah's canyons are glowing, and the Bigtooth Maple is one of the stars of the show. This native Western tree delivers some of the most spectacular fall color you'll find anywhere, ranging from brilliant yellows and oranges to fiery reds depending on your microclimate.
But here's what makes it a perfect pick for Utah yards:
💧 Water-wise. Bigtooth Maple has a low irrigation requirement, just ½ inch every 10–14 days once established. In a state where every drop counts, this tree earns its keep.
🦌 Deer tolerant & salt tolerant. Two big wins for Utah gardeners dealing with wildlife pressure and alkaline soils.
🌳 Right-sized for neighborhoods. It stays relatively compact in the Salt Lake Valley, making it a great fit for residential landscapes, park strips, and smaller yards.
☀️ Flexible light needs. Full sun to part shade: t's adaptable to a range of conditions in your yard.
🇺🇸 100% native. A relative of the eastern Sugar Maple, the Bigtooth Maple is right at home in the Intermountain West. Planting native means you're supporting local ecosystems.
If you've been looking for a tree that delivers jaw-dropping fall color, uses less water, and is perfectly adapted to our climate, this is the one. Now is a great time to start planning for a spring planting!
📍 See Bigtooth Maples growing at the Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan — they have them in multiple garden settings so you can see exactly how they look in a landscape.
🎙️ Tune in to the KSL Greenhouse on KSL NewsRadio 102.7 FM, 1160 AM, and KSL.com for more plant picks and gardening tips!
